Alaska, Cat and Daria Rebuild After Devastating House Fire

On May 7th, 2025, at 8 a.m., Alaska, Cat, Daria, and her cat Lucy experienced a devastating fire that completely destroyed their home. Fortunately, they woke up to firefighters knocking on their door, thanks to their neighbours calling the fire department in time. Despite their survival, they lost everything they couldn’t grab on their way out — personal belongings, cherished keepsakes, and all the possessions that made their house a home. We are grateful that no one was injured, but they now face the challenge of rebuilding their lives from the ground up.

Alaska is a Plains Cree + Nakoda queer from Treaty 4 territory. They’ve had the privilege of growing up on Coast Salish territories and have family ties with Cap Rez since they were a little girl. She works as the Indigenous Wellness Liaison at St. Paul’s Hospital in downtown Vancouver, providing vital support and advocacy for Indigenous patients, people with addictions, connecting elders and cultural members of the community. Their resilience and dedication are an inspiration, and she now needs our help to recover from this traumatic loss and to help her rebuild her life and continue her essential work.

Cat is a 22-year-old transgender woman from Texas currently studying for her Master's in English at the University of British Columbia. She is passionate about her education and her future, which has been deeply impacted by the fire. Amidst this tragedy, Cat remains determined to pursue her dreams, but she needs support to get back on her feet and continue her studies without the overwhelming burden of losing her belongings and stability.

Daria, also 22, is an Indigenous transgender woman from Treaty 4 territory. She is an emerging multidisciplinary sound artist, passionate about her craft and her community. Her creative journey has been a source of strength and expression, but the fire has taken away her equipment, tools, and the space she needs to develop her art. Daria’s resilience and talent are vital to her community, and she could use help to rebuild her studio and continue her artistic pursuits.

We deeply appreciate your compassion and generosity during this difficult time. We understand that Vancouver faces many challenges right now, but if you’re able to donate or share this campaign, it would mean the world to Alaska, Cat, Daria, and Lucy. Your support will help them piece their lives back together and regain hope after this devastating event. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

My name is Soloman Chiniquay, a 29-year-old Indigenous artist from Treaty 7 territory, living and working in Vancouver for the past 11 years. I am a close friend of Alaska, Kat, and Daria—who also happens to be in my band, Hot Snack. I wanted to create this fundraiser because my friends supported me when my house burned down seven months ago and did the same, and I believe in the power of community and kindness. The entire amount raised will be split between Alaska, Kat, and Daria to help them rebuild their lives and recover from this tragedy.